Captain Ahab

This paper proves how and why Captain Ahab in Herman Melvilles Moby Dick is a tragic hero. This paper examines the character of Captain Ahab as a tragic hero in Herman Melvilles Moby Dick. The author discusses the criteria for a tragic hero and how Ahab fits each criterion. The paper looks at how Captain Ahabs weakness turned him away from success, and how he recognized his personal suffering. Captain Ahab is a man of substance, or outstanding in a positive way. He is also turned aside from success due to his own weakness of character. This weakness of character causes him to suffer which in turn this suffering causes Ahab to find recognition of himself and discover what is happening to him. He also causes the sensitive and intelligent reader to feel a sense of waste. Ahab causes a disruption in a system of order as well. He is classified as a paradoxical figure and shows sign of humanity. With two proofs or more for each of the eight criteria of a tragic hero Captain Ahab proves himself to be a more than adequate tragic hero in Herman Melvilles novel Moby Dick.